You’d expect any Volvo estate to be substantial, comfortable, reliable and safe, but also not massively desirable or enjoyable to drive. But Volvo has not been content to follow the same old path this time. You don’t have to probe far into the press blurb about the new V70 before you begin tripping over words and phrases such as ‘athleticism’ and ‘on-road dynamism’. Volvo is claiming a certain style and sportiness for its new master load-hauler as well as all the usual versatility.

The new D5 and D3 diesel engines have also been upgraded with a number of tweaks including a new camshaft and conrods, low-friction piston rings, a chain-driven oil pump and a stop-start system on the manual versions. Volvo also claims that the drivability of the D3 has been ‘far improved’ thanks to fine-tuning of the turbocharger. Volvo's City Safety low-speed automatic braking system is now standard on all V70s.

But has Volvo gone far enough to see off an ever-talented wave of rivals in the big premium estate market?